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Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world. Check out the most recent entry (at the top) or search by your preferred criteria. Consider it motivation for your next embarkation.

If you keep up-to-date on news in the cruise industry, you may have heard about the much anticipated build of the Celebrity Edge, the first new ship from Celebrity Cruises in six years. And today is a very exciting day for Edge as she had her official ‘float out’ yesterday. And we at Amazing Journeys are particularly thrilled about this, as we will be offering a vacation on the Edge in 2019 on one of her first Mediterranean sailings!

The initial stages of a cruise ship’s construction take place in a dry dock facility. Once exterior outfitting is complete, the dry dock is flooded and the ship is floated to a wet dock where construction continues. The transition is considered a major milestone in the multi-year process of building a cruise ship. The 2,900-passenger Celebrity Edge was floated out from the dry dock yesterday in France where it has been under construction for nearly a year. Scheduled to debut in November of this year, the ship now will undergo finishing work in a wet dock.

Edge is the first of four new Celebrity vessels due by 2022 that will boast an innovative new design. Among Edge’s most notable features: A 90-ton platform the size of a tennis court that will be cantilevered over its side. Called the Magic Carpet, it will move up and down the side of the ship serving functions that range from a tender boarding platform to 90-seat alternative restaurant.

Among other unusual features, Edge will have a jogging track that spans two decks and winds around the ship’s terraced pool area. A relaxation area to the aft of the pool deck called the Rooftop Garden also is on its plans as are six poolside cabanas with 20-foot ceilings for rent. Hot tubs will be perched on stems in what Celebrity says is a “martini glass” design.

Edge also will feature what Celebrity is calling Infinite Veranda cabins designed to blend the indoor and outdoor experience. Billed as an industry first, Infinite Veranda cabins will have balconies that are incorporated into the main cabin area. Bi-fold doors in the rooms either can be completely closed, creating a traditional room area separated from a balcony area, or left open, creating a wide-open indoor space that is about 23% larger than traditional balcony cabins.

If the Mediterranean is on your bucket list, let us know to put you on the Interest List for this amazing cruise and you will hear about it when we have details to share! Until then, stay tuned!

If travel is an art, then my mom was an artist. And a storyteller. My Mom was always up for an adventure and never missed an opportunity to travel, be it near or far. I guess that’s where I get it from.

One of her best travel stories came from the time my Mom took a trip to Europe with a girlfriend when I was in high school. Her friend had business there and she and my Mom had several trips planned over the next few years. They were like the “Lucy and Ethel” of travel, or was it “Thelma and Louise”? Lots of amazing stories came out of those trips. My favorite comes from a trip through Central Europe. After the business portion of the trip was behind them, my Mom’s friend, Cherina, had wanted to visit the graves of her parents in the former Czechoslovakia. They had done their research and found that no visas were needed (there was no internet back then, but she made the proper calls). As the rules were changing often in the 70’s for the countries of Central Europe, by the time the train got to the border of Czechoslovakia, a border guard with a dog came onboard the train and asked to see their passports and visas. Cherina explained to them in her best Czech that she had understood no visas were needed. In two minutes they were off the train and in a local jail at the border, being told they needed to spend the night and that a train would be coming in the other direction tomorrow and they could board then after spending the night in the jail.

With no options in sight, the two quickly went into action. They took out the little blanket they had stored away in their overnight bag (did I mention it was from KLM, lifted from their flight over to Europe?) and laid it out while taking a huge lunch spread out of their bag (did I also mention that they would embarrassingly pack an entire lunch from the breakfast buffet at the hotel each morning?) and began their “picnic” in the jail cell.

A local man came by to say hello to the local jailer, just as the picnic was getting underway. My Mom, always the social hostess, offered some delicacies and fun conversation, and before they knew it, the local man had invited my Mom and her friend to his local farmhouse just down the road, to spend the evening with he and his wife for dinner and a good night sleep before the train came back to pick them up the next day. The jailer agreed and the jailbirds were free! Just like that! And just as my Mom had taken the blanket from the airplane and lunch from the breakfast buffet, she had no qualms about taking the key to the jail as a souvenir on her way out.

The key hung proudly in our home as a remarkable testament to how two women traveling through Central Europe on their own in the early 70s could both find their way into and out of trouble, and how travel was always an adventure, whether planned for or not.

That story helped set the stage for me and my travel career, and taught me many lessons including thinking on your feet, always be friendly, check and double check visa requirements, and unlike my Mom, never take lunch from a hotel’s breakfast buffet (you’ve only paid for one meal) or blankets from the airline (I was always embarrassed by both).

My Mom passed away just a few months ago. Not only do her wonderful stories live on, but the plaque with the key now proudly hangs in my home as a reminder of when things go wrong, find a solution.

What do kroner, queens and Carlsberg all have in common? These are some of the local discoveries we made while in Scandinavia (yes, we even got to see the Royals on their yacht in Copenhagen)! Amazing Journeys just returned with 111 travelers on a cruise to Scandinavia & Russia, seeing seven countries in 12 days, and for those who stayed on with us and visited Iceland, it was another two days and another country! There were so many high points, and the experiences we shared touched us all in so many different ways. Here are a few highlights:

Copenhagen, DenmarkTivoli Gardens is a 170 year old amusement park and is the second oldest in the world! The oldest one is also in Denmark. It’s iconic Copenhagen and a magical place and we were all so excited to spend the evening there. We retraced a rescue route used during the Holocaust to save Jews from the Nazis, and moved them safely to Sweden. The path was long and it took lots of countrymen and women to risk their lives in order to save hundreds of people from death. The story is an amazing one, and one we heard over and over again on our journey. Some went on a food tasting tour of local delicacies. The mouth watering morsels they sampled were appreciated as was the local beer they experienced.

Oslo, NorwayFrom Viking ships to Vigeland Park, we explored Oslo like the ancient Vikings. Some discovered on bikes, while others on foot. Those on the Jewish tour were taken aback about the history of the Resistance in Norway and visiting the Resistance Museum while learning about the Norwegian resistance while under Nazi occupation was a real eye-opener.

Berlin, GermanyThe Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site of the 1936 Olympic Stadium, and the train tracks from which thousands of Jews were deported were but a few of the amazing sites we saw in and around Berlin. Some went on a Cold War tour and saw a piece of the Berlin Wall, learned about the Stasi (secret police) and heard stories about time of Communist Rule in Berlin. Those on the Jewish tour saw synagogues, the Old Jewish Quarter and heard stories of hardship, heartbreak and harrowing experiences. We learned about the Jews who came to Berlin in search of a better life, only to find that life was not good for Jews anywhere in Europe. Those who explored the Third Reich learned about Hitler and his home in Berlin, his rise to power and his fall as the Communists moved in. We all learned about modern Berlin and the “eat, drink and be merry” approach of Berliners. We dined on local fare as well as yummy pretzels and beer.

Tallinn, EstoniaIn Tallinn, we were surprised by this gem of a Medieval town that most were not familiar with. We began at the Synagogue and a discussion with the Rabbi which was a highlight for us. He was charming and enthusiastic and began a community where there was none. He has made a difference in this small town. We walked through the Upper and Lower towns, and experienced all the charm of this little town.

St. Petersburg and Moscow, RussiaThis was the favorite stop by far for our Amazing Journeyers, and the one many took this trip to see. We had two days to explore Russia and while the majority of our group spent all of their time in St. Petersburg, some spent one day in Moscow and the other in St. Petersburg. There were so many highlights, it’s hard to name just a few! In Moscow, we saw the impressive St. Basil’s Cathedral, toured the Kremlin, walked in Red Square, had tea at the famous Metropole Hotel, GUM Department Store (where once this was the only place to shop) and the Armory.

Those who visited St. Petersburg were treated to the opulent architecture which defined the era of the Czars with palace after palace, each trying to outdo their predecessors in France, Austria and others throughout Europe. We saw the impressive Catherine’s Summer Palace, with its defining blue and white exterior, highlighted by gold leaf. It was a sight to be seen. Inside, we viewed the lavish lifestyle of the time including the Amber Room, if you can imagine an entire room made from amber! We got to visit the Throne Room, the Photo Gallery and more. The grounds were just as impressive as the home itself and we got to view the lake, the French and English Gardens. This fairytale-like palace was amazing! After, we visited the Great Choral Synagogue, a spectacular building constructed between 1880-1893. We were so happy to see this refurbished shul and after a kosher lunch at L’Chaim Restaurant, we listened to stories of growing up Jewish in St. Petersburg during the time of communism and the great suffering and hunger of the people during the time of Stalin. We were then treated to a private violin concert.

The next day we saw an overview of St. Petersburg complete with all of the highlights, followed by a walk through the famous Hermitage Museum, also known as the Winter Palace. This amazing structure was filled to the brim with renowned artwork from the European masters as well as other famous artists and styles from around the world. Because the museum is normally closed on Mondays, it opened just for us – what a treat to be able to walk through without the crowds! We stopped for a traditional lunch including Russian caviar, vodka shots, borsht and live music. We completed our visit to Russia with a visit to my favorite palace, Peterhof, also known as Peter the Great’s Summer Palace. Amazingly beautiful on the inside, but it’s the outside, facing the Gulf of Finland that captures the fun and flavor Peter had in mind for the place, with over 250 fountains adorning the “backyard.”

Helsinki, FinlandOur visit to Helsinki was a gentle stroll through a city where “old meets new.” We saw classic Russian influenced architecture, paired with a growing modern city filled with architectural gems which is defining the new look of the city. Some saw by bike, others walked and still some in our group saw the city through the eyes of the Jewish world with a visit to a local synagogue and a talk with someone from the Jewish community. With free time in the afternoon, we loved having some playtime to relax and enjoy whether shopping, walking, photographing or stopping for a local meal.

Stockholm, SwedenThe last stop on our cruise was highlighted by an entrance into the city through the archipelago of Sweden, where 4,000 islands make up this land mass. We watched our arrival as the sun rose on the Baltic Sea and we welcomed a new day. We saw the changing of the guards at the palace, enjoyed the old city of Gamla Stan and saw the beautiful mosaics which adorn the City Hall, and home to the Nobel Peace Prize inductions ceremony. We ended our day with some free time to take it all in.

Reykjavik, IcelandBut wait, there’s more! Those who ventured with us to Iceland for a post-cruise adventure were so happy they had chosen to do so. Upon our arrival, we began with the iconic Icelandic experience and went for a dip in the Blue Lagoon. We slathered ourselves with masks and enjoyed soaking in the warm waters as steam rose from the pools. We enjoyed saunas, a waterfall and getting treats from the bar, located in the water! The next day in Iceland was filled with a tour of the Golden Circle where we saw erupting geysers, the enormous and powerful Gulfoss Waterfall and a walk through Thingvellar National Park. Our nights were filled with the sights and sounds of the busy and fun-loving people of Reykjavik. We were there for the largest festival of the year – the Cultural Festival.

Our trip was an amazing bounty of cruising, culture, locally defined architecture and Jewish spirituality. Our travelers happily took it all in and shared the myriad of experiences with their fellow travelers, bonding one to another sharing memories to last a lifetime.

Americans with plans for a summer vacation in Europe can rest easy. Despite a vote in the European Parliament in March to reinstate visa requirements for Americans traveling to the EU, European lawmakers announced on Tuesday that they would not move forward with halting visa-free travel to the region. The issue was first brought up by the European Commission as one of reciprocity, a response to American visa policy that excludes certain EU member states.

Now, it seems, officials have determined that taking the high road can better achieve the results the EU is after—that is, visa-free travel for all citizens to the United States. “In view of the significant progress achieved during the last year and the positive momentum of ongoing work, the temporary suspension of visa waivers for nationals of Canada and the United States would be counterproductive at this moment and would not serve the objective of achieving visa-free travel for all EU citizens,” a statement reads.

As Lilit Marcus previously reported for Condé Nast Traveler, “while Americans can currently visit any EU country without a visa (provided they’re not working or staying longer than three months), not every EU member nation gets the same privileges the other way around.” At present, Europeans with passports from 23 member states, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, can enter the U.S. without a visa, but five EU members—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, and Romania—aren’t part of the waiver program for the U.S. or Canada.

Tuesday’s statement points to some positive developments achieved not through reciprocity, but through negotiation: “Canada lifted the visa requirements for some categories of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens on 1 May 2017 and is set to achieve full reciprocity as of 1 December 2017 and contacts have been re-launched with the new U.S. administration to push for full visa reciprocity for the five EU Member States concerned,” it reads. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the European Commission’s commissioner for migration, home affairs, and citizenship also chimed in on Twitter, saying the “EU will always choose engagement, commitment, and patient diplomacy over unilateral retaliation.”

It’s hard to say which of the many highlights of our recent tour in Ireland was our favorite. Was it the scone making class at the farm and the delicious fruits of our labor we got to enjoy with tea? Was it the 50 shades of green that dotted the rolling hillsides and farmland? To some, it was the endless rainbows we spotted or our never-ending search for the pot of gold and leprechauns. Many said it was it our remarkable pub crawls with the best music in the world. And to most of us, it was the wonderful group that gathered together across the pond to explore and discover the delightful and hospitable people of Ireland who welcomed us to their country.

Ireland is a culture away, yet, just a hop, skip and a jump from America. The six hour flight and the five hour time difference made it easy to travel. The fact that English is the language made it simple, yet, the dialect so different from ours, we couldn’t understand much of what was spoken. That was part of the fun.

Enjoying whiskey tastings and learning about Guinness Beer, straight from the source, were more highlights. Most of us took on the 100-step climb up to the top of Blarney Castle. We braved wind and rain and then lying upside-down on our back, kissed the famous stone to be granted “the gift of eloquence.”

We were amazed that the food was actually better than we expected, and we got to sample potatoes of every kind!

Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, hashed brown potatoes, potato leek soup, scalloped potatoes, garlic potatoes… need I say more? We sampled Guinness stew and savory pies of every kind. Seeing the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher were gorgeous and we were blessed with a sunny day so we could enjoy hiking around the cliffs.

We got to sample ice cream with names like Kerry Cream, Irish Oats and Caramel, Smoked Salmon and Guinness. It was delicious (the Irish Oats and Caramel, that is)!

Our scone making class was a memory we could take home and share with others. Barry and I made them today and tweaked the recipe somewhat. Here is our new and improved Irish Scones…straight from the farm!

• Pre-heat cookie sheet and oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix together flour and butter. Use your hands to mix to make sure butter is softened and evenly distributed.
• Add sugar and stir.
• Add dried fruit.
• In a measuring cup, mix together buttermilk and egg.
• Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in half of the buttermilk/egg mixture.
• Mix in part of the flour mixture getting it moist from the liquid in the center of the bowl.
• Add in more of the dry ingredients from the sides of the mixing bowl as needed.
• Take the dough and need it on a flat surface, adding in flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Spread out dough to about 1 inch thick.
• Take a glass or round cookie cutter, dip the rim in flour (so it doesn’t stick to the dough.
• Cut with cookie cutter or glass.
• Place on heated cookie sheet
• Cook for 17 minutes.

With the weather getting colder, it’s nice to have a warm drink to come home to! Our Amazing Ireland travelers had the opportunity to visit the Kilbeggan Distillery and sample the whisky last week. Here’s the recipe for our newest drink recommendation:

The passengers on our upcoming Danube River Cruise will have the opportunity to taste local specialties of the region including crafted brews, indulgent chocolate and of course, homemade strudel. In an attempt for everyone to get their fair share of pastry, we thought it was only fair to share a recipe for this delicious delicacy!

STRUDEL PASTRY

INGREDIENTS

Pastry Ingredients

1 ¼ cups flour

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 egg

1 ½ cups water

½ tsp. salt

1 tbsp. sugar

½ stick butter

Stuffing for Pastry

2 lbs. green apples, peeled and sliced thinly

1 oz. cinnamon

2 oz. raisins

3 oz. sugar

2 oz. dark rum

1 egg yolk

PREPARATION METHOD

Sift the flour and combine with sugar and salt. Mix the egg and oil together, and them with the dry ingredients. Add the water to the dough a tablespoon at a time and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. Form into a ball and set aside, covered for 30 minutes. Take the dough and roll it out as thinly as possible in a rectangle on a lightly floured pastry board. Drape the sheet of dough over your hands and stretch, being careful not to tear it. Continue until the sheet of dough is very thin, always working from the middle toward the edges until it reaches 18″ x 14″. Lay the sheet of dough on a well-floured pastry cloth. Brush with melted butter. In a bowl, mix the apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon and dark rum. Spread immediately on the dough. Form a long, tightly tucked roll. Press the ends and seal. Butter an 18” x 12” oven tray with raised sides and preheat the oven to 475°. Beat the egg yolk and brush over the strudel, and then sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 minutes at 475° then lower to 400° and bake for 20 minutes. Lower to 300° and bake and additional 15 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a large serving tray. Pour the juice from the pay over the strudel and set aside to cool. Serve either hot or cold, and garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted last weekend sending up a towering plume of ash visible into much of eastern Sicily. Smoke billowing during the eruption of Mount Etna volcano was seen from near the Sicilian towns of Catania and Messina, Italy, on Saturday Etna’s eruptions aren’t infrequent but this one was unexpected.

Just this past summer Amazing Journeys trekked the base of the then-dormant Mt. Etna volcano while exploring a remnant of the last eruption in 1992 – a lava river that was formed by advancing molten rock that carved its way down the hillsides. While exploring the area this past July it is interesting to note that not a hint of seismic activiity was present at that time.

Europe’s most active volcano, Mt. Etna erupted throwing ash visible in much of eastern Sicily causing the closure of nearby air space, but authorities lifted the closure after just a few hours. Evacuations of several inhabited villages weren’t necessary despite the lava flow.

Ever hear of a river cruise? Are you wondering what all the buzz is about? It’s the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry and 24 new ships are being built by six different companies, all debuting in 2014.

River Cruising opens up a world of possibilities of intriguing destinations. Pulling up right alongside a local dock, the river cruise experience lets you enjoy scenery along the way, and then coming directly in to the city center to explore on foot, by bike or on an array of complimentary guided excursions. According to AMA Waterways, in business since 2002, “there is no better way to experience the soul of a destination than on a leisurely river cruise, immersed in history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty.”

Traveling along rivers, these smaller ships are built with shallow drafts and can navigate smaller waterways, unlike their oceangoing cousins who cruise the high seas. During your journey along the rivers, you can look out from your balcony, window or one of the public spaces and see the ever-changing landscape of the destination you came to see. Many of the “Next-Gen” river cruises use a “long-ship” design that allows more interior space for guest rooms, bars and restaurants, spa and workout facilities, and even a pool with a swim up bar.

Onboard, the experience is more like a small boutique than a large hotel. The staff is dedicated to treating their guests like members of their own families, and several offer a premium experience. With local musicians to entertain, cocktails and dancing, lectures on local history and culture, time on board the ship is spent feeling like you are on vacation, whether it’s relaxing, socializing with other passengers, sunning by the pool, working out or getting a massage.

On most river cruise, complimentary wines are offered with meals, further enhancing your local cultural experience. You get to try wines from the local regions you are visiting, along with regional specialties the chef prepares each night.

River Cruises offer many themed cruises as well. From Chocolate Cruises to Wine Tasting Cruises to Jewish Heritage Cruises, there is a theme that fits nearly every taste and taste bud!

Amazing Journeys is joining in on the River Cruise fun on our Jewish Heritage River Cruise next summer. Sailing from Vilshofen, Germany on August 6 and ending in Budapest, Hungary on August 13, we will transport you along the Danube River through the magnificent landscapes of the Sound of Music Country and along the shores of our Jewish culture and our legacy. From synagogues to Jewish districts, modern museums and historical monuments, this cruise will be one you will surely remember. For more information on our Jewish Heritage cruise, click here or call us for information on any other river boat cruise at 412.571.0220.

An ingenious $400 Million Plan is underway to deal with the wrecked Costa Concordia. In January 2012, the cruise ship struck a rock off the shore of Isola del Giglio, in the Mediterranean. Thirty people on board the largest passenger wreck of all time lost their lives and two are still missing and over a year later, the wreck is still sitting off the Italian coast, mostly submerged.

Because the Costa Concordia is in a nationally protected marine park and coral reef, it must be removed from the area before it can be dismantled, posing countless difficulties. Not only is it the riskiest, most complicated, and most expensive salvage plan ever undertaken, but no one is sure if it will work. The ship weighs 60,000 tons and is filled with seawater. It is sitting on two underwater mountain peaks and 65 % of it is below the surface. The wreck is an official crime scene.

The operation, which will cost about $400 million, is being paid for by insurance companies and the plan is to rotate the ship upright, and onto an underwater platform. Then it will float up, leaving more of its structure above the surface and hopefully it can be towed away. Interestingly before getting on the inclined ship, workers must take a 4-day mountain climbing course.

The underwater platform is being built in northern Italy and the steel must be transported through the Adriatic Sea, around the boot of Italy, and up to the wreck. The steel weighs three times as much as the Eiffel Tower and will be embedded in the seafloor. A drill bit will be enclosed in a large tube, to keep debris from contaminating the protected area.

For now, the ship is held in place by steel cables, but strong storms could dislodge it causing it at some point to possibly sink to the seafloor, which would make the salvage operation near impossible. Over one hundred salvage divers are currently working on the salvage operation around the clock, in 45-minute shifts. They all live in floating barracks, next to the wreck site.

How exactly will workers rotate Costa Concordia onto the platform? The plan essentially involves welding a new ship onto the shipwreck. That new “ship” will consist of huge, hollow steel boxes called sponsons – the biggest being 11 stories tall. Nine of the sponsons will be welded onto the exposed side of the ship, with just 2 inches between them. Then steel cables will connect the sponsons to the steel platform and hydraulic pulleys will pull the Costa Concordia upright.

More sponsons will be welded onto the other side of the ship and once the ship is upright, the extra buoyancy should make it float. The ship is scheduled to be floated next summer and once the process begins, there is no way to stop it, even if something goes wrong. The backup plan is to break it up where it lies, at a huge cost to the local environment. If all goes well, the Costa Concordia will be cut up for scrap, far from Giglio.